subject: A Healthy Dog Gets Healthy Treats And Snacks [print this page] You can buy prepared snacks for your puppy pal in lots of different shapes, flavors, and sizes but you don't have to. Lots of food for people are appropriate for dogs. Think low fat, low salt, and low calorie. And while you're at it consider the low mess factor.
Raw carrots are a favorite for dogs. They help clean his teeth, provide crunch and are low calorie. Many dogs like celery sticks as well. Apple and pear slices are a good snack. Grapes can upset your dog's digestive system and smaller dogs can choke on the grape. Don't feed him cherries; the pit can break a tooth. And that can mean expensive dental work. Onions aren't good for dogs either. Most dogs don't like onions because of the fumes.
Dogs have a sweet tooth (did you know that cats can't taste 'sweet'?) but prepackaged cookies and candy are not a good idea. If you bake cookies, such as oatmeal, it's permissible for your dog to have a small one as a special treat. Chocolate can be poisonous to dogs so chocolate chip cookies are definitely a no-no. And don't think that just because your dog didn't get sick when he ate that first chocolate bar that he won't get sick now.
Peanut butter stuffed inside a toy can keep your pooch occupied for hours. So can a bit of cheese. If you use cheese keep an eye on the portion size since cheese has a high fat content.
Beef or chicken jerky that's low in sodium can be used as training treats. To make your own beef jerky you'll need a dehydrator or you can use the oven set on its lowest temperature. Slice an inexpensive cut of beef in very thin slices about an inch wide. Putting the meat in the freezer until it's partially frozen will make it easier to slice. Arrange the slices on the dehydrator so they're not touching. If you're using an oven place on a cake rake and then place the cake rake on a cookie sheet. When the slices are stiff and leathery they're done. Keep in an airtight container.
Carrots, celery, and apple slices can be dried the same way.
People pretzels without salt, as well as unsalted crackers can be used as a treat in moderation.
If it's healthy for you it's probably healthy for your dog. Use healthy treats and include them as part of your dog's diet.
